That is a question I ask myself a lot this time of year.
Some situations seem perfectly okay to me to give a gift someone has given me. For example, if I’ve been given something as part of a large group gift exchange (i.e. it wasn't personal) and it’s perfect for someone on my gift list, why not give it to that person?
If my daughter gets two of the same Barbie dolls for a birthday gift and she is invited to a friend’s party who also likes Barbie dolls, again…why not give the gift to that little girl?
However, there are other times where it doesn’t seem quite as clear. Is it okay to regift something that you didn’t really like and aren’t sure that person will either? I suppose if your purpose is just to give a gift, then it works. Ideally gifts are thoughtful and not just a matter of checking off our lists, right? However, I know that busy lives often mean ideals are compromised, especially when someone we didn’t expect to give us a gift does just that.
Of course, there is a situation that is pretty obviously not a time for reusing a gift. I think it’s safe to say it’s never wise to give a gift back to someone that gave it to you. Unless, of course, one of your immediate family members gives you something like an iron. In that case, it’s most definitely okay to give it back, hand the thoughtful giver a pile of shirts and direct him or her to the ironing board. Oh, I kid, but not about the not liking ironing part.
What do you think? Is it ever okay to regift?